What Happened to Pat Fitzgerald of Northwestern University?

Former Northwestern University Coach Pat Fitzgerald has been accused of various sexual hazing abuses, including “forced participation, nudity, and sexualized acts of a degrading nature.” Fitzgerald has been coaching at Northwestern for close to two decades. Recently, 11 players came forward to file complaints against the coach. However, allegations from former players prompted them. It is not uncommon to see victims come forward once one brave person breaks their silence. Andreozzi + Foote has handled many cases similar to Northwestern.  We represent many victims in the case against Jerry Sandusky at The Pennsylvania State University.

How Can A Civil Lawsuit Help Victims Seek Justice For The Trauma They May Have Experienced?

There are many misunderstandings about why a survivor of sexual abuse would choose to file a civil lawsuit.   Child sexual abuse takes away so much from the survivors and families impacted. Our society still struggles to find ways to repair the harm done by individual perpetrators and institutions that have covered up child sexual abuse.  Outdated statutes of limitations across our country leave far too many survivors denied access to our criminal or civil justice courts.

Filing a civil case can be an essential step for survivors and their families in their journey to slowly rebuild their lives and create pathways to healing.  Motivation for filing a civil suit is often questioned and unfairly stereotyped as being “all about money. Filing a civil lawsuit casts survivors as “money hungry” and is weaponized to shame and blame them even more. This couldn’t be further from the truth for survivors of child sexual abuse. The civil justice system offers victims more than just monetary benefits.  It gives survivors access to justice, validation, exposure, confrontation, and ultimately some resolution. The resolution allows survivors of sexual abuse to understand and process what happened and create a new path forward without confusion, questions, and fear.

Can I File A Lawsuit Against Northwestern University?

Yes.

Several lawsuits have already been filed against the former coach, and the university investigated the allegations. One lawsuit has accused Northwestern University President Michael Schill, the board of trustees, and athletic director Derrick Gragg of enabling and concealing sexual misconduct and racial discrimination.

The skilled lawyers of Andreozzi + Foote have experience working within Illinois. We can help you determine what your rights are and help you chart a path toward healing.

We know it can be hard to talk about these experiences. Our compassionate sexual abuse lawyers are here to listen and provide knowledgeable legal guidance. We provide free, confidential case evaluations where you can learn more about your rights and options under your state’s laws, contact Andreozzi + Foote today.